A big rambling house in Southport or a modern box in Formby - which to choose?

[NotJustACigar]

Just that, really. We love the restaurants, beach and other amenities in Formby and we work in Liverpool so it's closer. But for the same money as a modern 70s or 80s not terribly attractive house we could get a gorgeous big character-filled house with a big garden in a decent part of southport. This would add on about 20 mins each way for the commute and also we don't know southport terribly well. From what we do know, however, there aren't such nice places for walks in woodlands or through countryside, and there is more a bit more crime. School district doesn't matter to us.

Here are a couple of example links that I think are fairly representative of what's available and while both are very nice houses the southport one is more to our taste. What would you do, and is the anything we're not considering? Thanks very much for any opinions you may have!

Formby: www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-43376465.html

Southport: www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-38982827.html

So right now.

For someone like me, who does the commutes I do, 20 minutes is nothing, therefore Southport is a definite option.

Formby is my instant gut instinct; however it depends on your family set up.

We've just moved into a 1980's boxy house.
It is very practical, and I'm quite good at putting my stamp on houses.

For me it's cul de sac location, backing onto massive school playing fields, outweigh an older period property. It also has an en suite and a utility room.

I'd love a period property but chose practicality, plus it was cheaper.
I didn't even go to look at the period one though as I know I'd have just loved it.

For me location is more important.

The Southport house is superior.

Double

I am local-ish, and I'd say Southport every time, especially if you are near the train line.

Much more to do, and PLENTY of country walks, honestly. The botanic gardens are lovely too.

Oh no, a serious lack of consensus - and I am counting on you lot to tell me what to do ! We have just sold our old house (after a year on the market) that we knew as soon as we'd bought it was all wrong for us. I cried the day we moved in. I know we're very lucky but I don't want to make a big mistake again. We lost a lot of money on that house as no one but as was daft enough to buy it at its "valuation".

MPB I am the opposite in that I don't really have a visual, artistic mind (I am a geeky science/maths type person) so can't really picture the potential of a house very well, which is a big part of the problem.

Thanks all, more opinions very welcome!

What was wrong with the old house? If you tell us a bit more about what you like and need (any kids?) etc, we might be able to help more.

I'd go for the Southport house.

Thanks BitOfFun. The old house was too small with no character and no where to walk to in the neighbourhood - no country walks, no shops, nearest pub 5 miles away. It was also in an industrial area and we could see a landfill from the front garden which I was dumb enough not to even notice before we bought it . We bought it in a huge rush as we were about to be out on the street and needed something right away. This time we want to take our time and get it right.

I don't have children - I just really like chatting on mumsnet!

With no children assuming no plans for any soon then I think I would go for Formby.

Southport.

The problem with Formby is that all the houses are either 60's or 70's 'boxes' or megabucks. There's very little I between, but I guess you know that NotJustACigar Where was your old house, as a matter of interest?

That Southport house is the other side of Southport, so another bus/train into southport, then into town
Is southport centre a bit more expensive?

If you don't need a big house, I'd go for Formby

Have you thought about Crosby?

I'd go for Southport. Unless Formby high streets improved, I remember cafe Nero being its highlight. Also a bit of a trek to the beach. Southport has a lot of tack but a lot of decent restaurants and shops too.

Yes, you can get some bargains in Crosby/Waterloo, and you are near the beach and plenty of pubs and restaurants (plus the cheap and excellent local cinema). I think that the side of Southport that house is in will piss you off with the commute, but apart from the squirrels and the lovely little shops, Formby itself is absolutely soulless, especially the housing, unless you have ££££s for the Victorian properties. It's a bit on the dull side for most, tbh.

I'm so with BOF. I really don't like Formby.

This is very close to amenities, and walking distance of farmland walks around the charming Little Crosby.

Near the livelier Waterloo, loads of amenities, easy walk to the railway station. Also I could meet you for a drink...

You'd love this, nice area too.

I'd go for this www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-41740864.html

If you are still keen on Formby, this isn't bad.

Great part of Crosby, near beach. Gorgeous road.

I would die of envy if you got this Georgian pile's view.

That one is lovely, Joni.

Shall I stop now?